Publications

Towards a scientific community consensus on designating Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems from images

Baco et al (2023)

Deep-sea fisheries management by RFMOs requires identifying Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), traditionally based on fisheries bycatch data, which can be invasive. Imagery from scientific surveys offers a non-invasive alternative but lacks a standardized framework. This study aimed to establish preliminary global guidelines for identifying VMEs from images, highlighting variability in VME indicator taxa and density thresholds across regions. Recommendations include developing a global consensus on VME indicator taxa, adopting imagery-based guidelines, incorporating imagery in impact assessments, and expanding its use beyond fisheries to other industries affecting the seafloor. A decision flowchart provides practical steps for image-based VME identification.

Deep-sea impacts of climate interventions

Levin et al (2023)

Scientists, industry, and policymakers are exploring ocean-based climate interventions (OBCIs) to address climate change, including carbon sequestration, solar radiation management, and renewable energy. While concerns about costs, governance, and scalability exist, limited focus has been given to impacts on deep-sea ecosystems (>200 m depth), which are vital for Earth’s health but understudied. The deep sea’s unique conditions—low energy supply, stable cold temperatures, and sparse life—demand specific attention. This discussion highlights the need for an integrated research framework to evaluate OBCI impacts on deep-ocean ecosystems and address governance challenges to incorporate these considerations into climate mitigation strategies.

Thresholds in deep-seabed mining: A primer for their development

Hitchin et al (2023)

Thresholds are crucial in environmental management and are being explored for deep-seabed mining, an emerging industry with developing regulations. This paper discusses integrating thresholds into the International Seabed Authority’s framework, highlighting options like regulatory stipulations or contract terms, each with pros and cons. Challenges include deriving thresholds from ecological data and ensuring acceptance by stakeholders. Thresholds must balance societal harm tolerance, governmental precaution, scientific validity, and practicality. Lessons from other marine industries offer potential starting points. Refinement of thresholds is necessary as understanding of mining impacts improves.

Insights from the management of offshore energy resources: Toward an ecosystem-services based management approach for deep-ocean industries

Bravo et al (2023)

The deep ocean hosts diverse ecosystems that provide essential services to humans. As industrial activities expand, standardized methods are needed to monitor impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and services. Insights from offshore energy industries highlight advanced technologies for assessing deep-sea ecosystems. A comprehensive approach, including monitoring ecosystem services and ensuring open access to baseline data across sectors, is crucial for improving global management of the deep ocean.

A Blueprint for an Inclusive, Global Deep-Sea Ocean Decade Field Program

Howell et al (2020)

The ocean is essential for Earth’s systems and services. The UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030) aims to achieve six societal outcomes by addressing critical knowledge gaps, especially in deep-sea ecosystems. Key questions include understanding deep-sea biodiversity, connectivity, ecosystem roles, and responses to disturbances. A proposed global program, Challenger 150, emphasises new biological data collection, prioritising underexplored regions, depths, and midwater environments. It suggests stratified global survey designs based on ecological and human-impact criteria. Recommendations include standardising data collection, advancing deep-sea research capacity, integrating indigenous knowledge, and fostering inclusivity, contributing to sustainable ocean management and UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.

A decade to study deep-sea life

Howell at al (2020)

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development presents an exceptional opportunity to effect positive change in ocean use. We outline what is required of the deep-sea research community to achieve these ambitious objectives.

Inclusive innovation: Enhancing global participation in and benefit sharing linked to the utilization of marine genetic resources from areas beyond national jurisdiction

Collins et al (2019)

Negotiations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea aim to establish a binding agreement for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). To ensure fairness and effectiveness, all States must participate in marine scientific research and utilise marine genetic resources (MGR). Open access to MGR data and capacity building can promote equitable benefit sharing. Adopting an “inclusive innovation” approach, as seen in initiatives like GenBank and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network, fosters collaboration and inclusivity. This enhances scientific knowledge and supports the conservation and sustainable use of ABNJ biodiversity.

Successful Blue Economy Examples With an Emphasis on International Perspectives

Wenhai et al (2019)

Developing a Blue Economy requires clear definitions and illustrative case studies. As global interest grows, policymakers and research institutions call for improved analysis, particularly in management, data access, monitoring, and product development. Due to varying national approaches, greater dialogue is essential. This paper explores the Blue Economy through four chapters: understanding the concept, defining theoretical cases, presenting application cases, and offering future outlooks. Case studies cover nine key aspects, reflecting diverse perspectives. Drawing on global expertise, the paper highlights the need for international collaboration, ecological protection, and knowledge sharing, while acknowledging significant opportunities for deeper exploration and global partnerships.

Strategic Environmental Goals and Objectives: Setting the basis for environmental regulation of deep seabed mining

Tunnicliffe et al (2018)

Deep seabed mining intersects human activity with deep-ocean ecosystems. This paper advocates for a holistic approach to environmental management using Strategic Environmental Goals and Objectives. By leveraging existing knowledge, stakeholder input, and precedents, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) can set measurable targets to guide its operations and those of contractors. Tools like marine spatial planning, baseline studies, and impact assessments are crucial for achieving sustainable environmental outcomes. The ISA should expand management beyond individual contract areas through a Strategic Environmental Management Plan to ensure sustainable resource use across the deep-sea Area. Progress is monitored, reported, and appropriately addressed.

Scientific Considerations for the Assessment and Management of Mine Tailings Disposal in the Deep Sea

Vare et al (2018)

Deep-sea tailings disposal (DSTD) and its shallow water counterpart, submarine tailings disposal (STD), are practiced in many areas of the world, whereby mining industries discharge processed mud- and rock-waste slurries (tailings) directly into the marine environment. Pipeline discharges and other land-based sources of marine pollution fall beyond the regulatory scope of the London Convention and the London Protocols (LC/LP). However, guidelines have been developed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to improve tailings waste management frameworks in which mining companies can operate. DSTD can impact ocean ecosystems in addition to other sources of stress, such as from fishing, pollution, energy extraction, tourism, eutrophication, climate change and, potentially in the future, from deep-seabed mining. Environmental management of DSTD may be most effective when placed in a broader context, drawing expertise, data and lessons from multiple sectors (academia, government, society, industry, and regulators) and engaging with international deep-ocean observing programs, databases and stewardship consortia. Here, the challenges associated with DSTD are identified, along with possible solutions, based on the results of a number of robust scientific studies. Also highlighted are the key issues, trends of improved practice and techniques that could be used if considering DSTD (such as increased precaution if considering submarine canyon locations), likely cumulative impacts, and research needed to address current knowledge gaps.

Defining “serious harm” to the marine environment in the context of deep-seabed mining

Levin et al (2016)

Deep-seabed mining raises concerns about environmental impacts and their significance under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is responsible for protecting the marine environment in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This paper explores the legal framework for defining “serious harm,” thresholds for significant adverse change, and the vulnerability of ecosystems targeted for mining: manganese nodules, sulphides, cobalt crusts, and phosphorites. It analyzes mining approaches, environmental impacts, and ecosystem settings, including abyssal plains, hydrothermal vents, seamounts, and continental margins, while proposing actions to improve understanding of these unique marine environments.

Environmental Impacts of the Deep-Water Oil and Gas Industry: A Review to Guide Management Strategies

Cordes et al 2016

The industrialization of the deep sea, especially for oil and gas exploration, is increasing globally, with limited baseline data on deep-sea ecosystems. This has made environmental management challenging. Offshore activities, including infrastructure installation, drilling, and discharges, have localized impacts but can affect ecosystems for years. Management strategies should combine regulations on activities, spatial measures like marine protected areas, and temporal rules during sensitive periods. Buffer zones should be established, with at least 2 km from discharge points and 200 m from seafloor infrastructure. These strategies help minimize environmental harm in deep-sea ecosystems.